Burnham says he is ready to deliver change despite economic pressures

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is prepared to make the changes the public is looking for, rather than "constantly playing the political game," in a video interview with the Guardian's political editor, Pippa Crerar.

The conversation focused on how the government might shift public perceptions of politics after a difficult fiscal period, with Burnham suggesting that visible, concrete action on issues that matter to voters is more important than political positioning.

Burnham's comments echo remarks he has made elsewhere about the need to demonstrate delivery to a public that has grown sceptical of promises made by politicians, particularly during a period of economic strain.

Rebuilding trust

The prime minister did not set out a specific list of new measures in the interview, framing his approach instead as a broader shift in governing style, prioritising outcomes people can see and feel over messaging battles with political opponents.

The remarks come at a sensitive moment for the government, which is grappling with tight public finances ahead of next month's budget while trying to reassure both its own party and the wider public that it remains capable of delivering on the scale of change it originally promised.

Burnham's willingness to address the issue directly in a video interview suggests the government sees public communication, not just policy substance, as central to shifting perceptions in the months ahead.